As a pet owner, you should know the symptoms of pet allergies to keep your animal companion healthy and comfortable. If left untreated, pet allergies can cause serious health problems for your pet. Here are three reasons why you shouldn't leave pet allergies undiagnosed.
Skin Conditions
Pets can develop allergies to everything from pollen to food ingredients. And just like human allergies, pet allergies can cause various symptoms, including skin problems.
In fact, skin conditions are among the most common ways that allergies manifest in pets. If you fail to diagnose your pet's allergy and treat it accordingly, you may find that your pet develops a chronic skin condition that is both uncomfortable and unsightly.
Among the most common skin condition caused by allergies is allergic contact dermatitis. This condition occurs when an allergen directly touches your pet's skin, causing inflammation and intense itchiness.
If you suspect that your pet has an allergy, the best thing you can do is to take them to the vet for an evaluation. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most skin conditions caused by pet allergies can be controlled effectively.
Respiratory Problems
If your pet has been exposed to an allergen such as pollen, they may have difficulty breathing. The symptoms of an allergic reaction can include respiratory issues, including wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
An allergic reaction can cause the airways to swell and make it difficult for your pet to breathe. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock can occur. Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening reaction that can happen when the body goes into complete shutdown.
Call your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet has an anaphylactic shock. Oftentimes, your pet will need to be treated with intravenous fluids and kept under observation for a couple of hours.
Digestive Issues
Allergies don't always present themselves through the typical itchy eyes and runny nose. They can also show through digestive issues. If your animal is vomiting or having diarrhea, it could be a sign that they're trying to tell you something isn't right.
Sometimes, these digestive issues are caused by food allergies and can be remedied by switching their diet. Other times, they may be intolerant to a certain ingredient in their food. Either way, you need to get to the root of the problem, so your pet feels comfortable and happy again.
Additionally, allergies can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to a host of other problems like weight loss and malnutrition. That's why you should get your pet checked out by a vet if they exhibit any strange symptoms.
At the end of the day, your pet's health should be a top priority. Allergies can cause discomfort and even lead to serious health problems down the road. Getting your pet allergies diagnosed early can help them live a long and happy life. So, don't hesitate to seek medical assistance if you think your animal might be allergic to something.
Reach out to an animal health services clinic to learn more.
Share
